Electronic book electronic links

ABSTRACT

The invention, an electronic book selection and delivery system, is a new way to distribute books and other textual information to bookstores, libraries and consumers. The primary components of the system are a subsystem for placing text in a video signal format and a subsystem for receiving and selecting text that is placed in the video signal format. The system configuration for consumer use contains additional components and optional features that enhance the system, namely: ( 1 ) an operation center, ( 2 ) a video distribution system, ( 3 ) a home subsystem, including reception, selection, viewing, transacting and transmission capabilities, and ( 4 ) a billing and collection system. The operation center and/or video distribution points perform the functions of manipulation of text data, security and coding of text, cataloging of books, messaging center, and uplink functions. The home subsystem performs the functions of connecting to a video distribution system, menu selecting text, storing text, and transacting through phone or cable communicating mechanisms. A portable book-shaped viewing device is used for viewing the textual material delivered. The billing and collection system performs the transaction, management, authorization, collection and publisher payments automatically utilizing the telephone system.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/722,519 filed Nov. 28, 2000, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/237,825, filed Jan. 27, 1999, entitledELECTRONIC BOOK SELECTION AND DELIVERY SYSTEM, now abandoned, Dec. 14,2005, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/336,247,filed Nov. 7, 1994, entitled ELECTRONIC BOOK SELECTION AND DELIVERYSYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,986,690, issued on Nov. 16, 1999. All of theabove applications are incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sparked by the concept of an information superhighway, a revolution willtake place in the distribution of books. Not since the introduction ofGutenberg's movable typeset printing has the world stood on the brink ofsuch a revolution in the distribution of text material. The definitionof the word “book” will change drastically in the near future. Due toreasons such as security, convenience, cost, and other technicalproblems, book and magazine publishers are currently only able todistribute their products in paper form. This invention solves theproblems encountered by publishers.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The electronic book selection and delivery system is a new way todistribute books to bookstores, libraries, and consumers. Thetechnological breakthroughs of this invention provide a secureelectronic system for both delivering selected books and receivingpayments. The system has an unusual combination of features thatprovides the consumer with a daily use household appliance that has ahigh tech aura while being very practical, portable, and easy to use.

The clear advantage of the system is that it eliminates the distributionof any physical object such as a paper book or computer memory devicefrom any book distribution system. The purchase of a book becomes aPay-Per-Read™ event avoiding the overhead, “middle-men,” printing costs,and time delay associated with the current book distribution system.Published material and text such as the President's speech, a new law, acourt decision on abortion, or O. J. Simpson's testimony can be madeimmediately available to the consumer at a nominal fee.

The system is a novel combination of new technology involving thetelevision, cable, telephone, and computer industries. It utilities highbandwidth data transmissions, strong security measures, sophisticateddigital switching, high resolution visual displays and user friendlyinterface software.

The primary components of the text delivery system are the subsystem forplacing the text onto a video signal and the subsystem for receiving andselecting text that was placed on the video signal. The preferredembodiment of the system includes additional components and optionalfeatures that enhance the system. The system may be configured for useby bookstores, libraries, and consumers. The system for consumer use ismade up of four subsystems, namely: (1) an Operations Center, (2) avideo distribution system, (3) a home subsystem including reception,selection, viewing, transacting and transmission capabilities, and (4) abilling and collection system.

The Operations Center performs several primary functions: manipulatingtext data (including receiving, formatting and storing of text data),security encoding text, cataloging books, providing a messaging centercapability, and performing uplink functions. The system delivers thetext from the Operations Center to consumer homes by inserting datawithin analog video signals. The insertion of text is generallyperformed with a text generator and an encoder at an uplink site that iswithin or near the Operations Center. The system can be several lines ofthe Vertical Blanking Interval (VBI), all the lines of the analog videosignal, or a digital video signal to transmit text data. Using the VBIdelivery method, the top ten or twenty book titles may be transmittedwith video during normal programming utilizing existing cable orbroadcast transmission capability without disruption to the subscriber'svideo reception. Using the entire video signal, thousands of books maybe transmitted within just one hour of airtime. Nearly any analog ordigital video distribution system may be used to deliver the videosignal with included text.

The home subsystem performs five primary functions: connecting to thevideo distribution system, selecting text, storing text, displayingtext, and transacting through a phone or cable communicating mechanism.The components of the home subsystem may be configured in a variety ofhardware configurations. Each function may be performed by a separatecomponent, the components may be integrated, or the capability ofexisting cable set top converter boxes and televisions may be utilized.Preferably, a connector, library unit and viewer unit are used. Theconnector portion of the home subsystem receives the analog video signaland strips or extracts the text from the video. The home library storesthe text signal, provides a user friendly software interface to thesystem and processes the transactions at the consumer home. The viewerprovides a screen for viewing text or menus.

The viewing device is preferably a portable book shaped viewer whichstores one or more books for viewing and provides a screen forinteracting with the home library unit. A high resolution LCD display isused to both read the books and to interact with the home librarysoftware. An optional phone connector or return-path cable connectioninitiates the telephone calls and, with the aid of the library,transmits the necessary data to complete the ordering and billingportion of the consumer transaction. The billing and collection systemperforms transaction management, authorizations, collections andpublisher payments automatically utilizing the telephone system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the primary components of the electronicbook selection and delivery system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic showing an overview of the electronic bookselection and delivery system.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of the delivery plan for the electronic bookselection and delivery system.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the operations center.

FIG. 5 a is a flow diagram of the processing at the operations centerand uplink.

FIG. 5 b is a block diagram of the hardware configuration for an uplinksite.

FIG. 6 a is a block diagram of the hardware configuration for a fourcomponent home subsystem.

FIG. 6 b is a schematic of a two unit home subsystem.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of the processes performed by the videoconnector.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for an example of a library unit.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of some of the processes performed by thelibrary on the 14 received data stream.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the processes performed by the library uniton information requests from the viewer.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the components for an example of aviewer.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of some of the processes performed by theviewer on an information request from a subscriber.

FIG. 13 is a chart depicting the menu structure and sequencing of inenusin the menu system.

FIG. 14 a is a schematic of an introductory menu.

FIG. 14 b is a schematic showing an example of a main menu.

FIG. 14 c through FIG. 14 q are schematics showing examples of submenus.

FIG. 14 r is a schematic showing another example of a main menu.

FIG. 14 s and FIG. 14 t are schematics showing examples of screens for abook.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an electronic book system for abookstore or public library.

FIG. 16 a and FIG. 16 b are schematics of hardware modifications orupgrades to a set top converter.

FIG. 17 is a schematic showing a set top terminal that includes a datareceiver and data transmitter.

FIG. 18 a is a schematic of a book-on-demand system.

FIG. 18 b is a schematic of an operations center supporting abook-on-demand system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The primary components of the electronic book selection and deliverysystem 200 are an encoder 204, a video distribution system 208, aconnector 212, and a text selector 216 as shown in FIG. 1. The encoder204 places textual data on a video signal to form a composite signal. Avariety of equipment and methods may be used to encode text data onto avideo signal. The video distribution system 208 distributes the videosignal from the single point of the encoder 204 to multiple locationswhich have connectors 212. The connector 212 receives the digital oranalog video signal from the video distribution system 208 andseparates, strips or extracts the text data from the composite videosignal. If necessary, the extracted text data is converted into adigital bit stream. Text selector 216 works in connection with theconnector 212 to select text.

Using a connector 212 and text selector 216 combination, various methodsof selecting and retrieving desired text from a composite or videosignal are possible. Text may be preselected, selected as received orselected after being received and stored. The preferred method is forthe connector 212 to strip all the text from the video signal and havethe text selector 216 screen all the text as received from the connector212. The text selector 216 only stores text in long term or permanentmemory if the text passes a screening process described below.

An overview of a preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. The system 200includes: an operations center 250 including an uplink site 254, a videodistribution system 208, a home subsystem 258 including a videoconnector 212, a library 262, a viewer 266, and a phone connector 270,and telephone system 274 and a billing and collection subsystem 278. Theoperations center receives textual material from outside sources 282such as publishers, newspapers, and on-line services. The operationscenter receives this textual material in various digital formats andconverts them to a standard compressed format for storage. In so doing,the operations center creates a pool of textual material that isavailable to be delivered to the home system. Normally, the textmaterial is grouped by books or titles for easy access. The operationscenter includes an uplink site for placing the text onto a video signaland sending the composite video signal into a video distribution system.The uplink site would generally include an encoder (not shown in FIG. 2)to encode the text onto a video signal.

Many analog and digital video distribution systems 208 can be used withthis text delivery system 200, such as, cable television distributionsystems, broadcast television distribution systems, video distributedover telephone systems, direct satellite broadcast distribution systems,and other wire and wireless distribution systems. Nearly anydistribution system which can deliver a video signal will work with thetext delivery system. It is also possible to distribute the text withoutusing a video signal as described below.

The home subsystem performs five primary functions, (1) connecting witha video distribution system, (2) selecting data, (3) storing data, (4)displaying data, and (5) handling transactions. An important optionalfunction of the home sub-system is communicating using a telephonecommunication system. The home subsystem is made up of primarily fourparts: a video connector 212 or similar type of connector for connectingwith a video distribution system, a library unit 262 for storing andprocessing, a viewer unit 266 for viewing menus and text and a telephoneconnector 270 for connecting with a telephone communications system 274.

The billing and collection subsystem 278 may be co-located with theoperations center 250 or located remote from the operations center. Thebilling and collection subsystem 278 is in communication with the homesubsystem via telephone-type communication systems. Any of a number oftelephone type communication systems, such as, a cellular system, willoperate with the billing and collection system. The billing andcollection system records the books or portions of text that areselected or ordered by the subscriber. The collection system will chargea subscriber's credit account or bill the subscriber. In addition thebilling and collection system will monitor that amount due to publishersor other outside sources 282 who have provided textual data or otherservices such as air time to enable the text delivery system 200 tooperate.

FIG. 3 is an expanded overview of a preferred delivery plan for theelectronic book selection and delivery system. It is a comprehensivedelivery plan to support various types of users and various billingsystems. FIG. 3 shows that publishers 282 will provide text transfer 302to the operations center 250′ and receive payments 306 from the billingand collection system 278′. A separate channel uplink site 254′ is shownin this configuration receiving data 310 from the operations center250′. The operations center 250′ has three separate sections (318, 322,326) one for text receiving, formatting and re-entry 318, a second forsecurity encoding 322 and a third section for catalog and messagingcenter functions 326.

The collection and billing system 278′ shown has two sections (330, 334)one for transaction management, authorizations and publisher payments330, and the other for customer service 334. The customer servicesection 334 provides for data entry and access to customer accountinformation. Transaction accounting information 338 is supplied tocredit card companies 342 by the transaction management section 330 ofthe billing and collection system 278′. The credit card companies 342provide billing 346 to customers either electronically or by mail.

Three methods for communicating between the subscriber base 348 and thebilling and collection system 278′ are shown: by telephone switching 350alone, cellular switching 354 and telephone switching 250 combined andby use of the cable system 358 and the telephone switching 350. Thesystem shown supports both one-way 362 and two-way cable communication366 with subscribers. Libraries and schools 370 as well as bookstores374 may use the delivery system.

Libraries and schools 370 would have a modified system to allow theviewer to be checked-out or borrowed while bookstores 374 would rent orsell the viewer and sell electronic book data. The bookstores 374 aswell as the libraries and schools 370 may be serviced by cable 378.Optional direct broadcast systems (DBS) 382 can also be used with thesystem 200.

I. The Operations Center

FIG. 4 is a schematic of an operations center 250 which includes anuplink 254. The Operations Center 250 gathers text or books byreceiving, formatting, storing, and encoding. A data stream 302containing text is received at the operations center by a data receiver402. The data receiver 402 is under the control of a processor 404.After reception, the data stream is formatted using digital logic forformatting 406 which is also under the control of the processor 404. Ifany additional text is being generated at the operation center locallyfor insertion into the distributed signal, the text generation ishandled through text generator hardware 410 which may include a datareceiver and a keyboard (not shown). Following processing by the textgenerator, the additional text can be added to the text received thecombining hardware 414 that includes digital logic circuitry (notshown).

The processing at the operations center is controlled by a processor 404which uses an instruction memory 416. The processor and instructionmemory may be supplied by a personal computer or mini-computer. Toperform the catalog and messaging functions, the operations center usesa catalog and message memory 420 and the text generator 410 ifnecessary.

The data stream of text, catalog and messages is preferably encoded by asecurity ending prior to being sent to the uplink module 424. Variousencoding techniques may be used such as the commercial derivative ofNSA's encryption algorithm, Data Encryption System (DES), and GeneralInstruments DigiCipher II may be used by the security encoding module424. Following encoding, the encoded text may be stored in text memory428 prior to being sent the uplink 254. It is preferred that afirst-in-first-out text memory arrangement is used under the control ofthe processor 404. Various types of memory may be used for the textmemory 428 including RAM. The operations center may use file servertechnology for the text memory 428 to catalog and spool books fortransmission as is described below.

To transmit textual data, the delivery system uses high bandwidthtransmission techniques such as those defined by the North AmericanBroadcast Teletext Standard (NABTS) and the World System Teletext (WST)standard. Using the WST format (where each line of the Vertical BlankingInterval contains 266 data bits), a four hundred page book, for example,may be transmitted during programming using four lines of the VerticalBlanking Interval at a rate of approximately one book every 1.6 minutes(63,840 bits per second). Alternatively, books may be transmitted over adedicated channel, which interrupts programming so that 246 lines ofvideo can be used to transmit approximately 2,250 books every hour (3.9Mbits per second). A teletext type format is the simplest but possiblythe slowest text format to use with the system. In either event, anencoder is utilized at an uplink site to insert textual data into theanalog video signal. In many other respects, the delivery of the textualinformation is completed using existing cable television plants andequipment.

FIG. 5 a is a flowchart of the steps involved in processing text fromthe publisher or provider 282 that occurs at the operations center 250.As shown in block 500, the publisher 282 processes data files of textfor books, compresses, encrypts and sends the data files to the 23operations center or uplink. Text files for books are preferably sentone book at a time. As shown in block 504, the uplink 254 or operationscenter 250 receives and processes the data stream from the publisher282. Generally, part of this processing includes encryption and errorcorrection.

As shown in block 508, files are broken into smaller packets ofinformation. Header information is added to the packets. The bit streamis converted from a serial digital bit stream to an analog bit streamthat is compatible with an NTSC video signal. Block 512 shows theswitching of analog data into the video lines of a video signal. Theanalog data is either placed in the VBI or the active video lines.

FIG. 5 b is an example of a hardware configuration to perform some ofthe functions for blocks 508 and 512. A video feed 516 is received andprocessed through a sync stripper 520. The sync signal 532 stripped isused by the digital logic control 524. The digital logic control 524receives the sync signal 532 and a serial digital bit stream 528 forprocessing. The digital logic control 524 passes the serial digital bitstream to the Digital to Analog converter 536 and outputs a controlsignal 540 for the video switch 544. The video switch 544 integrates thevideo feed 516 and analog data stream 548 into a video feed with analogdata signal inserted 552.

As an alternative to cable or television delivery methods, the telephonesystem may be used to transmit books to the subscribers. An average bookwould take about 7 minutes to transmit over the public telephone system.Using the telephone system, it is not necessary to combine video andtext into a composite signal. In most other respects, the operationcenter would remain similar whether text delivery was by telephone orcable. It is preferred that file server technology (such as thatdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,262,875, entitled AUDIO/VIDEO FILE SERVERINCLUDING DECOMPRESSION/PLAYBACK MEANS, issued to Mincer, et al., and,U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,695, entitled FILE SERVER SYSTEM HAVING HIGH-SPEEDWRITE EXECUTION, issued to Noveck, et al., incorporated herein byreference) be used at the operation center with a telephone system textdelivery method.

II. The Home Subsystem

The hardware configuration for a four component home subsystem 258 isshown in FIG. 6 a. FIG. 6 b shows a hardware configuration for a twocomponent home subsystem. The home subsystem 258 performs severalfunctions, such as receiving data and video transmissions, stripping thedata from the video signal, screening and storing the data, providinguser friendly interface software, displaying menus and text, processingtransactions, initiating telephone calls and transmitting billing data.Various hardware configurations may be utilized to achieve the desiredfunctions of the home subsystem. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 b, thehome subsystem can be configured to utilize the reception and channeltuning capability of the current installed subscriber base of cableconverter boxes and televisions 601. The home subsystem can also bedesigned as an advanced set top terminal converter box with menugeneration capability, electronic memory and a telephone modem asdescribed in section V below.

The electronic components which make up the home subsystem can bearranged in a variety of ways. In the four unit subsystem of FIG. 6 athe viewer 266 and library 262 are wired together while the remainingcomponents communicate through RF transceivers 604. In the simplestversion of the home subsystem there are only two units, a library 262and a viewer 266. FIG. 6 b shows a two unit home subsystem with certainoptional features. The viewer 266 is generally equipped with a highresolution viewing area 602, digital logic (including a key 605,security 606, and a microprocessor 621), video graphics control andmemory 607, power supply circuitry 602 (not shown), an optional battery603 and an optional RF transceiver 604. In a two unit arrangement, thelibrary 262 contains the connector function to the video distributionsystem, connector function to a public telephone communications system,and memory 600 (which may be removable and portable 600′). Morespecifically, the library would include data stripping functions 617,digital logic 609, memory storage 600, power circuitry 610, optionaltelephone connections 611 (including cellular or PCN 611′), optionalbattery (not shown), optional tuner module 613 and an optional RFtransceiver 604. The video connector 212 and the public telephone systemconnection 270, as well as the removable portable memory unit 600 of thelibrary may be broken out into separate components. FIG. 6 b shows aremovable portable hard disk memory 600′ with removable cartridges 614.)Therefore, the home subsystem may have as many as five separatecomponents which communicate with each other. The two, three, four orfive separate components which make up the home subsystem cancommunicate with each other in a variety of ways, including hardwiredconnection 615, RF transceiver 604 and other wireless methods.

RF communications are preferred in the home because it allows theseparate components to be located throughout the home withoutrestriction.

The data communicated between the units is preferably secure data. Inaddition, the library 262 may provide power to the viewer 266 throughthe hard wire communication link 615.

To receive and strip the data from the video signal at the consumer'shome, either a cable interface device or cable connector is used. Thecable connector device includes a tuner 613, while the cable interfacedevice makes use of existing tuning equipment in the home. In eitherconfiguration, data is stripped from the video signal and stored at thesubscriber's location in the library 262. The phone connector 270, andmodem 611 initiate telephone calls and transmit ordering and billinginformation to the Operations Center or billing and collection system.The home library 262 is the intelligent component of the home subsystem,incorporating the hardware and software necessary to store the textdata, generate menus and effect the purchase transactions. In additionto an RF transceiver 604, the home library 262 also includes thenecessary jacks and connections to allow the system to be connected tothe viewer 266. As shown in FIG. 6 b, the library communicates the textdata to the viewer in a secure format which requires a key 605 fordecryption. The text is generally only decrypted page by page justbefore viewing.

a. The Video Connector

FIG. 7 shows the flow of the processes performed by the video connector212. The video connector receives the video signal 608, tunes to thechannel containing the text data 612, strips the text data from thevideo signal 616, and communicates the text data stream to logiccomponents in the library 620.

The connection to the video distribution system is preferably a cableconnector to a cable television delivery system, as shown in FIG. 6 b.The cable connector includes a data stripper circuit 617, which acceptsvideo input from either a set top converter, TV or VCR 601, or anoptional tuner block 613 that receives the CATV signal through the cableconnector 212′. The data stripper circuit 617 strips data out of thevideo, and outputs a digital bit stream to the digital logic portion 609of the library unit 262. The data is embedded in the video signal eitherin the vertical blanking interval or the active video portion in anencrypted and compressed format. The data stripper circuit 617 can beplaced inside the set top converter box 601, TV, or in the library unit.The data stripper circuit 617 outputs the digital bit stream to be usedby the library digital logic 609.

The video connector 212 may also contain a channel tuner module 613 thatcan tune to the video channel and provide access to the video thatcontains the data to be stripped. Using the optional tuner module 613, aset top converter, VCR, or TV tuner is not needed in the home subsystem.The optional tuner module 613 would instead receive the CATV signaldirectly through the cable connector 212′.

b. Library

An embodiment of the library 262 for a two unit home subsystem is shownin both FIG. 6 b and FIG. 8. The embodiment shown includes the followingoptional parts the video connector 212, phone connector 270, RFtransceiver 604, and battery pack 624 in addition to a removal portablememory 600′, microprocessor 628, instruction memory unit 632, digitallogic 636, and power unit 640.

The library 262 contains a digital logic section 609 (not shown in FIG.8) which includes the microprocessor 628, the digital logic 636 and theinstruction memory unit 632. The microprocessor 628 is preferably asecure microprocessor such as the Mot SC21 device sold by Motorola. Thedigital logic section 609 will receive the serial digital bit streamfrom the data stripper circuit 617 and process the data. Errorcorrection will also be performed by the digital logic section 609 andthe data will be checked for proper address. If the address of the datais correct and the library 262 is authorized to receive the data, thedata will be transferred to the memory storage unit 600, 600′.Authorization to receive the data is provided by the cable headend oranother distribution point. An authorization code may be sent in theserial digital bit stream. The digital logic section 609 will sendappropriate text and graphical data to the memory storage unit 600,600′. It transfers this data in a compressed and encrypted format andthe data remains stored in a compressed and encrypted format.

i. Memory Storage Unit

The memory storage unit of the library is preferably a removableportable memory unit 600 (as shown in FIGS. 6 a, 6 b and 8). A varietyof options are available for memory storage: a hard disk drive, such asan 80 megabyte, a 200 megabyte, a hard disk with removable platters, andCD ROM. Referring to FIG. 6 b, a hard disk drive unit 600′ whichcontains removable platters may also be used. This would providevirtually unlimited library storage capacity. Data will be stored in thememory storage unit in a compressed and encrypted format. As is alsoshown in FIG. 6 b, the data will also contain a key or unique ID numberthat matches the ID or key of the viewer 266. This matching of a uniquekey or ID number prevents unauthorized transfer of text data from thememory storage unit to an unauthorized viewer. Small memory devices suchas smart cards, electronic memory cards or PCM CIA cards (personalcomputer memory card industry association) may also be used to store thedata.

ii. Power Circuitry

As shown in FIGS. 6 b and 8, the library 262 will accept power fromeither AC wall power or optional battery power. It is preferred that thepower circuitry provide all the voltage necessary from either thebattery 624 or AC unit for the various circuitry in the library.Preferably the power circuitry will also provide power to the viewerthrough a single data cable when connected to the viewer. The powercircuitry will recharge the battery using AC power when in operation.With the optional battery unit 624 installed, the library 262 becomes aportable unit and can still provide power to the viewer 266. In order toextend battery life, power conservation measures may be utilized, suchas shutting down the memory system when not in use. When the viewer unit266 is being utilized and the library circuitry is not being utilized,virtually all power may be shut down to the library 262.

iii. Connection to the Public Telephone System

The connection to the telephone system is preferably provided by a modem611. Various available modems may be used to perform this function. Asshown in FIG. 6 b, cellular phone or PCN phone connections 611′ may alsobe provided. When the home subsystem is first initialized, the modemwill be used to transfer the name and credit card information of theconsumer to the billing and collection subsystem. The telephoneconnection 270 may be utilized each time a book is purchased by aconsumer to complete and record the transaction. The telephoneconnection 270 may also be used as a means for receiving the text datafrom the operations center, by-passing the video distribution system.The phone connection 270 may be a separate unit as shown in FIG. 6 b.

iv. Library Processing

FIG. 9 shows an example of some basic processing performed by thelibrary 262 on the data stream received from the video connector 212 orstripper circuit 617. First the data stream is checked for errorcorrection by block 650. If an error is detected, block 654de-interleaves the data followed by block 658 running a FEC (ForwardError Correcting) algorithm. The combination of block 650,654 and 658perform the error correction needed on the data stream. If no errorcorrection is necessary the data proceeds to block 662 where packets areindividually checked for packet address.

If the address is a unique address, block 666 checks whether the addressof the packet matches the library box ID number. The library box IDnumber is a unique number associated with that library 262 which is usedto ensure security of the data. Block 670 determines whether anelectronic file has already been opened into which the data packet canbe saved. If no data file has been opened then block 674 opens a newdata file for that packet. If an electronic file has been opened, thenthe packet is saved in that electronic file on disk, block 678. Next,the process checks to see if this is the last packet for a particularbook for a particular textual data block being received 682. If it isthe last packet of information, then the electronic file is closed andthe directory of available electronic files is updated 686. Followingeither block 682 or 686, the process returns to receive another datapacket from the data stream received from the data stripper block.

With the packet address is checked and the address is determined to be abroadcast address, the process determines the type of message that isbeing sent 690. The message is then stored in appropriate electronicmessage file 694 and the process is returned to block 650 to receiveanother data packet and perform another error check.

Using the process of FIG. 9, the library is able to receive, store andupdate directories related to the textual data and graphical data thatcan be used to depict pictures in a given book. Variations of theprocesses are possible depending on the format of the data and operatingsystem of the library 262.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the processing of information requests fromthe viewer 266 at the library 262. Information requests from the viewer266 are received either through the cable connecting the viewer 266 tothe library 262 or through wireless transmissions such as RF. It ispossible in some embodiments for subscribers' requests to come from aset top converter box 602.

Information requests received from the viewer 266 generally fall intothree categories: (1) directory data of books stored in the library 262,(2) index of all available books on the system, and (3) requests for aspecific book (Block 700). Process block 704 answers a request from theviewer 266 for a directory of data showing the books stored at theviewer 266. The directory of data is sent to the viewer 266 so that itmay be displayed to the subscriber. Process block 708 handles requestsfrom the viewer 266 for an index of all available books on the system.The library 262 will obtain an index of all the available books on thesystem and transmit that index, process 712, with menu information tothe viewer box. Process block 716 replies to a request from the viewer266 for a specific book. The library 262 opens an electronic file forthe specific book requested by the viewer 266 and transmits the recordor transmits the information on a packet-by-packet basis to the viewer,720. This process of transmitting the specific book, record, or packetsto the viewer continues until the last record or packet has been sent,724.

In addition to the processes shown on FIG. 10 in handling a request fora specific book, the library 262 also orders and receives specific booksfrom the operations center 250 using the process as described in 716.Following a request for a specific book which is not stored at thelibrary 262, the library 262 will proceed to determine the nextavailable time the book will be on the video distribution system 208 andensure reception and storage of that book (process not shown). Inperforming this process the library 262 will transmit to the viewerinformation on when it will obtain the text data for the book so thatthe subscriber may view the book. In addition to timing information,price and other ordering information may also be passed by the libraryunit 262 to the subscriber.

c. The Viewer

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a viewer 266 showing its internalcomponents. The viewer 266 of FIG. 11 is similar to the viewer 266depicted in FIG. 6 b. The viewer 266 is designed to physically resembleabound book. The viewer 266 is made up of five primary components andfour optional components: (1) LCD display 602, (2) digital circuitry(not shown), (3) video graphics controller 607′, (4) controls 740, (5)book memory 728, (6) optional power supply circuitry 736, (7) optionalbattery 603′, (8) optional RF transceiver 604, and (9) optional cellularor mobile communicator (not shown).

(1) A high resolution LCD screen, preferably of VGA quality, is used bythe viewer 266 to display text and graphic images. The screen ispreferably the size of one page of a book.

(2) Digital circuitry that includes a secure microprocessor 621,instruction memory 732, and digital logic. Data is transferred to theviewer 266 in compressed and encrypted format. The secure microprocessor621 compares the ID number of the viewer 266 with the incoming datastream and only stores the text data if the ID number of the viewer 266matches that within the incoming data stream. It is preferred that theviewer 266 not output text data or other data and that the data isdecompressed and decrypted only at the moment of viewing and only forthe current page being viewed. These measures are preferred because theyprovide additional security against unauthorized access to data.

(3) A video graphics controller 607′ that is capable of assisting anddisplaying VGA quality text and graphic images is included in the viewer266. The graphics controller 607′ is controlled by the digital circuitrydescribed above. Text may be displayed in multiple font sizes.

(4) The viewer 266 of FIG. 11 has touch panel controls 740. The controls740 allow the consumer to select stored books and books from catalogues,move a cursor, and turn pages in a book. Typically, the preferredcontrols include forward and reverse page buttons 741, a ball 743 forcursor movement, a selection button 745, a current book button 747 and abookmark button 749 (see FIG. 14 a).

(5) Book memory 728 for at least one book or more of text is included inthe viewer 266. The memory 728 stores text and any graphics whichrepresent pictures in a book. The memory 728 can also store menugraphics data. Two different memory 728 devices may be used in theviewer 266, one for the instructions for the microprocessor 621 in thedigital circuitry and a second type of memory may be used for the bookmemory 728. Various memory devices available on the market may be usedsuch as, ROM, RAM or a small hard disk. Since a book requiresapproximately 0.6 megabytes of storage, a small hard disk providingapproximately 60 MBytes of storage provides memory to storeapproximately 100 books. Text for books may be stored in various fontsizes so that larger or smaller fonts may be recalled from memory 728 asdesired.

(6) Power supply circuitry 736 in the view will accept power from eitheran AC power source or from an optional battery 603′, or the library 262.The power supply circuitry provides the necessary voltages toaccommodate the various systems within the viewer 266.

(7) An optional battery 603′ is provided in the preferred embodiment Thebattery 603′ is automatically recharged when AC power is available.

(8) An optional RF transceiver 604 which provided two-way data linkbetween the viewer 266 and other components of the home subsystem canalso be included in the viewer 266.

(9) Also, the viewer 266 may include a cellular transceiver (not shown)for mobile communications.

The viewer 266 of FIG. 11 has parts available for providing a libraryconnection 744, electronic card memory 748, CD ROM units 752, and aportable memory unit 756 (such as that shown in FIG. 6 b 600′). Variouselectronic memory cards such as PCM CIA can be used with this viewer266.

Security, low power consumption and excellent display technology aredesired features of the viewer 266 design. The viewer 266 should belightweight and portable. The viewer 266 contains a software operatingsystem that allows books to be stored, read and erased and includes thecapability to order books and retain them in memory for a predefinedperiod of time determined by the system operator. The software can beconfigured to allow the book to be read during a period of time (i.e.,two weeks) and then automatically erased, read once and erased, or heldin memory permanently. Each viewer 266 has a unique key 605. All of thedata storage is encrypted with the key 605 for an individual viewer 266to prevent more than one viewer device 266 accessing the text file orbook file.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of some of the processes executed by theviewer 266. Generally, the viewer 266 receives inputs from thesubscriber through touch panel controls 740. The subscriber'sinformation requests are then processed 800 by the viewer 266.

If the subscriber requests a menu of available books, process block 804will select a book menu. Process block 808 will open the electronicfiles which list the books that are available (related to the categoryof topic of the menu) and display the menu with the names of theavailable books.

If the subscriber selects a particular book to read, then process block812 will process the selection and determine the electronic file thatcontains the specific book. Process block 816 will open the file forthat specific book and normally access the first page. (If a pointer hasalready been set in that books electronic file, the process may defaultto that printer.) Process block 820 will then determine which page needsto be displayed. Process block 820 will determine whether a next page,previous page or a bookmarked page needs to be displayed. If the pointerfor the electronic file is not in the correct location then processblock 828 will move the pointer and obtain the previous page of datafrom the stored file. Otherwise, process block 824 will normally obtainthe next page of text from the stored electronic file. Process block 832will decrypt and decompress the text data and send the data to the videodisplay. The video display will generally have a video display memoryassociated with it and process block 832 will send the data directly tothat video display memory. The circuitry for the display then completesthe process of displaying the page of text.

If the subscriber, through the controls 740, requests (from processblock 800) that the power be turned off, then the process, 836, ofturning the power off will be initiated. Process block 840 saves thepointer in memory to the page number in the book that the viewer 266 iscurrently reading. Process block 844 closes all the electronic files andsignals the power circuitry to shut down the power to the variouscircuits in the viewer 266. With these examples of basic processes theviewer 266 is able to display book selections and display text fromthose books.

d. Menu System

It is preferred that the electronic book system have a menu system forselecting features and books from the electronic book system. Theoperating software and memory required for the menu system is preferablylocated at the viewer 266. However, it can also be located at thelibrary or the library and the viewer 266 can share the software andmemory needed to operate the menu system. Since the menus are usuallydisplayed on the viewer 266 and it is preferred that the viewer 266 becapable of operating in the absence of the library, the basic softwareand memory to create the menus is more conveniently located at theviewer 266.

The preferred menu system is a system which allows sequencing betweenmenus and provides menu graphics for graphical displays such as on theviewer 266. In a system which uses a set top converter these menus mayalso be displayed on a television screen. In the simplest embodiment,the menus provide just basic text information for the subscriber tochoose from. In more sophisticated embodiments, the menus provide visualdisplays and icons to assist the subscriber.

FIG. 13 depicts a menu system with sequencing. The primary menus in thesystem are an introductory menu 850, a main menu 854 and varioussubmenus 858. In the embodiment shown, there are three levels ofsubmenus. In certain instances one or two submenus is sufficient toeasily direct the subscriber to the selection or information requested.However, there are features in which three or more submenus makes theuser interface more friendly for the subscriber. Each level of submenusmay consist of various menus. The particular menu displayed depends onthe selection by the subscriber on the previous shown menu. An exampleof this tree sequence of menus are the help submenus 887, 888. Dependingupon the specific help requested, a different menu is displayed.

An example of an introductory menu 850 is shown on FIG. 14 a. Generallythe introductory menu 850 introduces the viewer 266 to the system andprovides initial guidance and instruction. The introductory menu 850 isfollowed by a main menu 854, an example of which is shown in FIG. 14 b.The main menu provides the viewer 266 with the basic selection orfeatures available in the system. For example, FIG. 14 b shows that theviewer 266 is able to choose by a point and click method, six availableoptions; (1) free previews, (2) books you can order, (3) books in yourlibrary, (4) your current book, (5) help, and (6) other system features.Following a selection on the main menu, a submenu is shown.

FIG. 13 shows ten available primary or first level submenus. They are(1) account set up 862, (2) free previews 866, (3) books in your library872, (4) books you can order 878, (5) your current book 884, (6) help887, (7) available features 890, (8) messages 893, (9) accountinformation 896 (10) outgoing message submenu 898. FIG. 14 c is anexample of a first level submenu for books in your library 872. This“Book In Your Library” submenu shows six available books by title andauthor and provides the subscriber with the ability to check a differentshelf of books or return to the main menu. FIGS. 14 d and 14 e showother submenus for books that may be ordered using the “Books You CanOrder” submenu.

The “Account Set Up Menu” 862 and further submenu us related to accountset up (which provide instructions and account input 864) are shown inFIGS. 14 f through FIG. 14 m. These submenus allow initialization of anaccount at the operations center and orders to be charged to creditcards. The submenus include the ability to enter data related to yourcredit cards.

Free previews for books 866 are also provided by submenus (868,870).Examples of the free preview menus are shown in FIG. 14 n, FIG. 14 o,and FIG. 14 p.

Referring to FIG. 13, submenus are shown on the “Books In Your Library”submenu 872 and are preferably broken into shelf numbers with submenusfor each shelf 874, 876. The submenus on the “Books You Can Order”submenu 878 is similarly broken out into submenus by shelves 880,882.These shelves may each be a category or genre of books. Books may begrouped into categories such as best sellers, novels, fiction, romance,etc. See FIG. 14 d.

Referring to FIG. 13, the submenu for “Your Current Book” allows asubscriber to select a current book 884 and then determine what page toview. This selection is confirmed with submenu 885. The help submenuprovides the subscriber with additional help screens 888. The submenusfor available features 890 are preferably broken out into a separatesubmenu for each feature 891, 892.

Referring to FIG. 13, messages can also be sent with the electronic bookselection and delivery system. A level one message screen provides thesubscriber with the ability to select from the various pending messageshe has 893. Each message is then shown on a separate submenu screen894,895. An example of such a submenu is shown in FIG. 14 q.

Referring to FIG. 13, account information is shown on a level onesubmenu 896 and then follow-on submenus show the recent orders and youraccount balance 897. There is also a level one submenu for outgoingmessages 898 which has a follow-on submenu used as an input screen 899.

In addition to the specific features and submenus described in FIG. 13and FIG. 14 a through FIG. 14 q, many other variations and features arepossible. FIG. 14 r is an example of a main menu with additionalfeatures and submenus available.

When a book is finally selected for viewing on the system it will appearon the screen as shown in FIG. 14 s for the title and FIG. 14 t for apage of text.

III. The Billing and Collection System

The billing and collection system utilizes the latest technology inelectronic transaction and telephone switching to track orders,authorize deliveries, bill consumers, and credit publishersautomatically. The telephone calls initiated by the phone connector arereceived by the billing and collection system which responds immediatelywithout human intervention by placing the order and charging theconsumers credit card account. Data is compiled periodically andpublishers are credited for sales of their books. The billing andcollection system may also connect with subscribers through two-waycable connections, cellular or other communication means.

It is preferred that the billing and collection system communicate withthe operations center to track changes in available books and to providestatistical data to the operations center.

IV. Library and Bookstore System

The electronic book system can be modified to be used at publiclibraries and bookstores. FIG. 15 shows one possible arrangement ofcomponents for a public library or bookstore location. The main unit atpublic library or bookstore is the file server 900. The file server 900is a large electronic memory unit that can store thousands of books.Various electronic storage means may be used in the file servers, suchas hard disks and read-write CD ROMs and read only CD ROMs.

The system comprises five components; a converter or video connector904, a controller 908, a viewer 912, and a catalog printer 916. Thesoftware for controlling the system is primarily located in thecontroller. The converter or video connector 904 is similar to thosedescribed above. In this configuration the controller unit 908 monitorsthe data being transferred to the file server by the converter 904. Thecontroller 908 is preferably provided with a viewing screens and severalcontrol buttons. When it is necessary to have a larger screen to performmore sophisticated controlling of the system a viewer may be connectedto the controller 908 and the viewer screen and controls may be used.

The controller 908 is only able to download books to the viewer 912which are authorized to receive books from the particular file server.For security reasons it is not desirable that the public viewer 912 haveaccess to more than one file server. In this way, security can bemaintained over the text data for books. It is preferred that the publicviewer 912 be limited to receiving one or two books at a time from thecontroller 908. When the user of the public viewer 912 needs a new oradditional book he returns the viewer 912 to the library where hereceives a new book from the controller 908.

In order to track the books that are available on the file server, thetitles of the available books may be printed on a catalog printer 916.The catalog printer 916 is connected to the library controller 908 andthe titles of the books are downloaded to the catalog printer 916. Noneof the coded text for any of the books can be printed using thecontroller 908 and Catalog printer 916 of this system. In order tomaintain security over the data, none of the book data is allowed to bedownloaded to the printer. Once a complete printout of available booktitles, magazines, or other textual material is complete, a hard copy ofthe catalog 920 can be maintained at the file server.

The system shown may also be used at bookstores. The bookstores can rentthe public viewer 912 to customers with the text for one or two booksloaded onto the viewer 912. The viewer 912 may be provided with anautomatic timeout sequence. The timeout sequence would erase the textualdata for the books after a certain period of time, for example, twoweeks. It is expected that after a period of time (perhaps within twoweeks) the renter would return the public viewer 912 to the bookstoreand receive additional books for viewing. Using this arrangement, it isalso possible for the bookstore to (permanently) sell a viewer 912 to aregular customer. The customer then returns to the bookstore from timeto time to receive textual data for a book which the customer can thenstore permanently on his own viewer 912. Various other configurationsare possible for bookstores and libraries using the file server andviewer 912 described.

V. Use of Set Top Converter

Existing set top converter boxes such as those made by ScientificAtlanta or General Instruments are presently unequipped to handle thebook selection system of the present invention. Although set topconverters may be built which include the library functions, hardwaremodifications are necessary in order to use the book selection systemwith existing set top converter technology.

FIGS. 16 a and 16 b are examples of hardware modification. A port isused to attach hardware upgrades described below to a set top terminal.Two upgrades are possible to set top converters 601 to assist inreceiving and selecting electronic books. A menu generation card upgrade(FIG. 16 a) and an information download unit (FIG. 16 b). Each of theseupgrades may be connected to the set top terminal unit through anupgrade port. A four wire a cable, ribbon cable or the like may be usedto connect the upgrade to the set top converter 601.

A card addition 950 to a set top converter 601 is depicted in FIG. 16 a.The card 950 shown provides the additional functionality needed toutilize the book selection system with existing set top converter 601technology. The card 950 may be configured to slip inside the frame of aset top terminal and become part of the set top terminal, an advancedset top terminal. The primary functions the card 950 adds to the set topconverter 601 are the interpreting of data signals, generating of menus,sequencing of menus, and, ultimately, the ability of the viewer 912 toselect a book using either the television or a viewer 912. The card 950also provides a method for a remote location, such as the cable headend,to receive information on books ordered. The books ordered informationand control commands may be passed from the cable headend to the card950 using telephone lines.

The primary components of the card 950 are a PC chip CPU 952, a VGAgraphic controller 954, a video combiner 956, logic circuitry 958, NTSCencoder 960, a receiver 962, demodulator (not shown), and a dialer 611′.The card 950 operates by receiving the data text signal from the cableheadend through the coaxial cable. The logic circuitry 958 of the card950 receives data 964, infrared commands 966, and synchronizationsignals (not shown) from the set top converter 601. Menu selections madeby the viewer 912 on the remote control are received by the set topconverter's 601 IR equipment and passed through to the card 950. Thecard 950 interprets the IR signal and determines the book (or menu) thesubscriber has selected. The card 950 modifies the IR command to sendthe information to the set top converter 601. The modified IR commandcontains the channel information needed by the set top converter 601.Using the phone line 968 and dialer 611′, the card 950 is able totransmit books ordered information to the cable headend. It is alsopossible to receive the books over the telephone lines and by-pass thevideo distribution system.

These commands are passed through the interface linking the set topterminal's microprocessor with the microprocessor of the hardwareupgrades. In this way, subscriber inputs, entered through the set topterminal keypad or remote control, can be transferred to any of thehardware upgrades for processing and responses generated therein canthen be sent back to the set top terminal for display. In the preferredembodiment the IR commands 966 are transferred from set top terminal 601to hardware upgrade.

Hardware upgrades may include a microprocessor, interactive software,processing circuitry, bubble memory, and a long-term memory device. Inaddition to these basic components, the hardware upgrade may make use ofan additional telephone modem or CD-ROM device.

The information download hardware upgrade 1001 (shown in FIG. 16 b)allows the subscriber to download large volumes of information from theoperations center or cable headend using the set top converter 601. Thehardware upgrade 1001 will enable subscribers to download data, such asbooks and magazines, to local storage. Primarily, the hardware upgrade1001 is an additional local storage unit 1003 (e.g., hard disk, floppy,optical disk or magnetic cartridge and may include a microprocessor1005, instruction memory 1007, and a random access memory 1009, as shownin FIG. 16 b). Preferably, a small portable viewer 912 is also providedwith the upgrade 1001 to enable downloaded text to be read without theuse of a TV.

The downloadable information may be text or graphics supplied by theoperations center or cable headend. With this upgrade, books may bedownloaded and read anywhere with the portable reader. Using thisupgrade, books may be downloaded and stored in compressed form for laterdecompression. The books would be decompressed only at the time ofviewing. Important text that the public desires immediate access maymade available through this system. Text such as the President's speech,a new law, or a recent abortion decision rendered by the Supreme Courtmay be made immediately available.

In the preferred embodiment, book ordering information is stored at eachset top terminal until it is polled by the cable headend using a pollingrequest message format. An example of a polling request message formatconsists of six fields, namely: (1) a leading flag at the beginning ofthe message, (2) an address field, (3) a subscriber region designation,(4) a set top terminal identifier that includes a pollingcommand/response (or P/F) bit, (5) an information field, and (6) atrailing flag at the end of the message. A similar response frame formatfor information communicated by the set top terminal to the cableheadend in response to the polling request may be used.

FIG. 17 shows a preferred set top terminal that includes a data receiver617′ and a data transmitter 1011. The data transmitter provides upstreamdata communications capability between the set top terminal 601 and thecable headend. Upstream data transmissions are accomplished using thepolling system described and, using a data transmitter 1011. Bothreceiver 617′ and transmitter 1011 may be built into the set topterminal 601 itself or added through an upgrade module. Regardless ofthe specific hardware configuration, the set top terminal's datatransmission capabilities may be accomplished using the hardware shownin FIG. 17.

FIG. 17 shows RF signals, depicted as being received at by a datareceiver 617′ and tuner 613 working in unison. Both of these devices areinterfaced with the microprocessor 1013, which receives inputs 1015,from the subscriber, either through a set top terminal's keypad, aremote control unit or viewer 912. All cable signals intended forreception on the subscriber's TV are accessed by the tuner 613 andsubsequently processed by the processing circuitry 1017. This processingcircuitry 1017 typically includes additional components (not shown) fordescrambling, demodulation, volume control and remodulation on a Channel3 or 4 TV carrier.

Data targeted to individual set top terminals is received by the datareceiver 617′ according to each set top terminal's specific address orID. In this way, each addressable set top terminal only receives its owndata. The data receiver 617′ may receive set top terminal 601 specificdata in the information field of the signal frame described or on aseparate data carrier located at a convenient frequency in the incomingspectrum.

Any received data includes information regarding books and menusavailable for selection. The subscriber may enter a series of commands1015 using a keypad or remote control in order to choose a channel orprogram. Upon receipt of such commands, the set top terminal'smicroprocessor 1013 instructs the tuner to tune to the proper frequencyof the channel carrying data and subsequently instructs the processingcircuitry 1017 to begin descrambling of this data.

Upon selection of a book, the microprocessor 1013 stores any selectioninformation in local memory (not shown) for later data transmission backto the cable headend. The set top terminal's microprocessor 1013coordinates all CATV signal reception and also interacts with variousupstream data transmission components. Typically, the data transmitter1011 operates in the return frequency band between 5 and 30 MHZ. In analternative embodiment, the 6 frequency band of 10 to 15 MHZ may beused. Regardless, however, of the frequency band used, the datatransmitter 1011 sends information to the cable headend in theinformation field of the response frame described. Those skilled in theart will recognize that a number of variations and combinations of theabove described set top terminal hardware components may be used toaccomplish upstream data transmissions.

VI. Books-On-Demand System

The electronic book system described may also be configured in abook-on-demand style. FIG. 18 a shows one example of a configuration fora book-on-demand system. A book on demand system requires more powerfultwo-way communications between the consumer's home, bookstore or libraryand either the operations center or a distribution site 1020 such as thecable headend. This type of two-way communication can be provided by thehardware shown in FIG. 17 and described above.

Referring to FIG. 18 a, in a book-on-demand system, the subscriberselects the book to be download from an available menu of books. Theavailable menu is usually sent to the subscriber location by thedistribution site 1020. After his selection, information about hisselection (or request) is then communicated to either a distributionpoint 1020 (such as a cable headend) or the operations center. Uponreceipt of this request, the needed textual and graphical informationfor the book is spooled and sent to the subscriber. In this manner,books are only sent when requested by the subscriber and are sentimmediately upon demand for the book.

In order to support such a demand system, the text delivery anddistribution must be conducted on a strong nodal architectureddistribution system, such as, a video-on-demand cable or telephonetelevision system, or through use of individual telephone calls on thepublic telephone system.

The book-on-demand system allows for a greater selection of books to thesubscriber and limits the amount of communicated book data that isunnecessary or unneeded. It also provides the book to the subscriber ina much timelier fashion.

In addition to a stronger distribution system, a book-on-demand systemrequires a distribution point 1020 to have more sophisticated equipmentto spool out the textual information. This can be accomplished usingfile server technology 1024 for storing the books and ATM 1028 ortelephone-type switching (not shown) to distribute the textualinformation. The file server 1024 and distribution technology that canbe used in configuring such a book-on-demand system is described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,262,875 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,695, cited above.

FIG. 18 a shows an embodiment for a book-on-demand system that utilizesfile server technology. In addition to books, the embodiment of FIG. 18a will support distribution of nearly any digital data. Books or textualfiles are received from publishers 282 and other sources through localfeeds 1032, ATM 1028, or by satellite dish 1036. The data is then storedin memory 1040 at the file server 1024. Preferably, distribution point1020 is a cable headend that receives requests from subscribers anddelivers text to subscribers over a two-way communication system (suchas a video-on-demand system (VOD) 1044).

The library unit 262 can be connected to either a basic premium-typeservice cable system 1048, a near video-on-demand type cable system (orpay-per-view (PPV) 1052) or a video-on-demand cable system 1044. Inconnecting with either of these three systems the library 262 may accessthe cable directly or may access the system through a set top terminal601′, 601″, or 601′″.

Using the two-way video-on-demand system 1044, a subscriber is able torequest a specific book title and receive that text immediatelyfollowing its request. To accomplish this, the distribution point 1020transmits a list of available books through the cable delivery system tothe library 262. The library 262 displays the list of available books ona menu or similar format. As described earlier, it is preferred that thelibrary 262 use menus which list categories of available books to formits request from the distribution point 1020. After selecting a book thelibrary 262 then sends a request signal on the two-way communicationsystem 1044 back to the distribution point 1020. This request signal canbe handled in two ways. Either the library 262 initiates the request orthe distribution point 1020 polls the various libraries on to thetwo-way system 1044. Upon receiving the request for the book title, thetext associated with that book title is transmitted to the library 262using the two-way cable system 1044.

FIG. 18 b is an expanded view of an operations center 250 that supportsa regional or national book-on-demand system. In fact, the operationscenter 250 shown supports distribution of nearly any digital data. Theoperations center 250 supports multiple feeds to receive digitalinformation by tape 1060, 1060′, ATM 1028, or satellite 1036. Theinformation is processed through an input MUX 1064 and a small fileserver 1068 before reaching the master file server 1072. Digital datasuch as books received from publishers 282 is then stored on the masterfile server 1072. It is preferred that the digital data is storedcompressed in a standard format such as MPEG2.

A system controller 1076 provides control over the regional or nationalbook-on-demand system. Books may be packaged into groups to providefeeds to various cable headends. In addition, scheduling and marketingresearch are conducted at the operations center 250. In order to handlethe scheduling and market research, book buy data is received at theoperations center 250 through a multiplexer 1082. Book buy informationcan be provided by the operation center 250 to the billing andcollection subsystem.

The operations center 250 is also equipped to insert messages oradvertisements into the file server. These messages or advertisementswill eventually be received by the subscribers.

The master file server 1072 uses an output multiplexer 1080 and ATM 1028as well as satellite connections to distribute digital data. In thepreferred embodiment, cable headends receive text data on books from themaster file server 1080 through the output multiplexer 1028 and an ATMsystem 1028. After receiving the digital book data, the cable headendsstore the books in a local file server 1024. FIG. 18 a's distributionpoint 1020 is an example of a cable headend which may receive data fromthe operations center 250 of FIG. 18 b through an ATM hookup 1088 orsatellite hookup.

1-26. (canceled)
 27. An electronic book viewer for receiving, storing,and displaying an electronic book, comprising: a display; a wirelesstransceiver; controls disposed near the display, the controlscomprising: one or more selection buttons; a forward page button; and areverse page button; an instruction memory having stored thereininstructions for: receiving an index of a plurality of availableelectronic books, wherein the index is available for downloading from adatabase remote from the viewer via a wireless distribution system ofelectronic books, and wherein the electronic books in the index areavailable for downloading via the wireless distribution system;displaying the index on the display to a user using the viewer;receiving inputs from the user through the controls; downloading onespecific electronic book in the index via the wireless distributionsystem to the viewer via the wireless transceiver, wherein the specificelectronic book is downloaded in an encrypted format to the viewer, inresponse to the user selecting the specific electronic book from theindex using the one or more selection buttons; decrypting the downloadedelectronic book; displaying, on the display, a current page of thedownloaded electronic book; displaying, on the display, a next page tothe current page, in response to the user using the forward page button;displaying, on the display, a previous page to the current page, inresponse to the user using the reverse page button; and a microprocessorconfigured to execute the instructions stored in the instruction memory,wherein the display, controls, instruction memory, wireless transceiverand microprocessor are integrated into a portable, hand-held unit. 28.The electronic book viewer of claim 27, wherein the wireless transceivercomprises a cellular transceiver for mobile communications.
 29. Theelectronic book viewer of claim 27, wherein the wireless transceivercomprises a radio frequency (RF) transceiver.
 30. The electronic bookviewer of claim 27, further comprising: a video graphics controller. 31.The electronic book viewer of claim 27, further comprising: a battery.32. The electronic book viewer of claim 31, further comprising: a powersupply circuit configured to accept power from an AC power source or thebattery.
 33. The electronic book viewer of claim 27, wherein theinstructions stored in the instruction memory further comprisesinstructions for: creating an index of downloaded electronic books,wherein the downloaded electronic books have been downloaded via thewireless distribution system, and wherein the downloaded electronicbooks are stored on the electronic book viewer; and displaying, on thedisplay, the index of downloaded electronic books.
 34. The electronicbook viewer of claim 33, further comprising: a book memory configured tostore the downloaded electronic books.
 35. The electronic book viewer ofclaim 34, wherein the instruction memory and the book memory aredifferent types of memory.
 36. The electronic book viewer of claim 27,wherein the display is a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.
 37. Anelectronic book viewer for receiving, storing, and displaying anelectronic book, comprising: a display; a wireless transceiver; one ormore selection controls; one or more page controls; an instructionmemory having stored therein instructions for: receiving an index of aplurality of available electronic books, wherein the index is availablefor downloading from a database remote from the viewer via a wirelessdistribution system of electronic books, and wherein the electronicbooks in the index are available for downloading via the wirelessdistribution system; displaying the index on the display to a user usingthe viewer; receiving inputs from the user through the one or moreselection and page controls; downloading one specific electronic book inthe index via the wireless distribution system to the viewer via thewireless transceiver, wherein the specific electronic book is downloadedin an encrypted format to the viewer, in response to the user selectingthe specific electronic book from the index using the one or moreselection controls; decrypting the downloaded electronic book;displaying, on the display, a current page of the downloaded electronicbook; displaying, on the display, a next or previous page to the currentpage, in response to the user using the one or more page controls;creating an index of downloaded electronic books, wherein the downloadedelectronic books have been downloaded via the wireless distributionsystem, and wherein the downloaded electronic books are stored on theelectronic book viewer; and displaying, on the display, the index ofdownloaded electronic books; and a microprocessor configured to executethe instructions stored in the instruction memory; wherein the display,controls, instruction memory, wireless transceiver and microprocessorare integrated into a portable, hand-held unit.
 38. The electronic bookviewer of claim 37, wherein the one or more page controls comprises: aforward page control; and a reverse page control.
 39. The electronicbook viewer of claim 37, wherein the wireless transceiver comprises acellular transceiver for mobile communications.
 40. The electronic bookviewer of claim 37, wherein the wireless transceiver comprises a radiofrequency (RF) transceiver.
 41. The electronic book viewer of claim 37,further comprising: a book memory configured to store the downloadedelectronic books.
 42. A computer program comprising instructions storedin a memory of a portable hand-held device, the instructions beingexecutable on the microprocessor of the hand-held device to perform thefunctions of: receiving an index of a plurality of available electronicbooks, wherein the index is available for downloading from a databaseremote from the hand-held device via a wireless distribution system ofelectronic books, and wherein the electronic books in the index areavailable for downloading via the wireless distribution system;displaying the index on the display of the hand-held device to a user ofthe hand-held device; downloading one specific electronic book in theindex via the wireless distribution system to the hand-held device viathe wireless transceiver, wherein the specific electronic book isdownloaded in an encrypted format to the hand-held device, in responseto the user selecting the specific electronic book from the index;decrypting the downloaded electronic book; displaying, on the display, acurrent page of the downloaded electronic book; and displaying, on thedisplay, a next or previous page to the current page in response toinput from the user, wherein the portable hand-held device comprises anintegrated display, controls, instruction memory, wireless transceiver,and a microprocessor.
 43. The computer program comprising instructionsstored in a memory of a hand-held device of claim 42, the instructionsbeing further executable to perform the functions of: creating an indexof downloaded electronic books, wherein the downloaded electronic bookshave been downloaded via the wireless distribution system, and whereinthe downloaded electronic books are stored on the hand-held device; anddisplaying, on the display, the index of downloaded electronic books.44. the electronic book viewer of claim 27, wherein the wirelessdistribution system is a radiofrequency network.